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CHAIRMAN 



EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 



Dnaugutaf * Cetemonit0 






OF MARCH 4, 1897. 



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F 199 
.U31 
1897In 
Copy 1 





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. . 










FINAL REPORT 



CHAIR/WAN 



EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 



WASHINGTON, D. c. 

Gibson Bkos., Printers and Bookbinders. 
1897. 



i^TX- 



FINAL REPORT 

OK TIM 

Chairman of the Sxecutt've Committee 

OF THE 

INAUGURAL CEREMONIES 

OF MARCH 4, 1897. 



Washington, D. C., March 31, 1897. 
Zb ,'/>< Subscribers to th< Inaugural Fund: 

Gentlemen: The ceremonies incident to the inauguration 
of Hon. William McKinley, as President, and Hon. Garrei 
A. Hobart, as Vice-President, of the United States, having 
been completed, it is proper that, as its chairman, I should 
lender you an account of the work of the Executive Com- 
mittee. 

On December 7, 1896, I received the following letter : 

Washington, D. ('.. Dec. 7, L896. 
C. J. Bell, Esq., 

Washington, I>. C. 
Deab Sib: You are hereby designated by the Executive 

Committee of the Republican National Committee to take 
charge of the forthcoming ceremonies attending the inaugu- 
ration of President-elect and Vice- President-elect and all 
matters pertaining thereto. 

You will appoint such officers as may be necessary, desig- 
nate a general and all sub-committees and serve as chairman 
of said General Committee. 

M. A. MANNA. 
Chairman Republican National Committee. 



By virtue of the power and authority thus vested in me 
I called the following gentlemen, to constitute the Executive 
Committee, to meet with me at the office of the American 
Security and Trust Company on the evening of December 
12th: 



C. J. Bell, < f h air man. 

S. YV. Woodward, Louis D. Wine, Vice-chairmen . 
John Joy Edson, Treasurer. 

Fred. Brackett, Corresponding Secretary. 

George H. Walker, Recording Secretary. 



M. M. Parker, 

A. T. Britton, 
John W. Thompson, 
Nelson A. Miles, 
Chapin Brown, 

H. V. BOYNTON, 

Thos. Somerville, 

B. H. Warner, 

H. A. WlLLARD, 

L. P. Wright, 
John C. Chanev, 
J. E. Bell, 
Geo. Gibson, 
Cecil Clay, 
Theo. W. Noi es, 
Geo. B. Williams, 
M. 1. Weller, 
T. E. Roessle, 
S. Wolf, 

M. 



C. F. NORMENT, 

Jno. B. Wight, 
L. D. Wine, 
Edw'd McCauley, 
J. G. Berret, 
John G. Long, 
Crosby S. Noyes, 
Beriah Welkins, 
Chas. G. Conn, 
John F. Cook, 
W. W. Dudley, 
Chas. C. Glover, 
Lawrence Gardner, 
Henry E. Davis, 
li. Ross Perry, 
A. M. Clapp, 
Stilson Hutchins, 
James L. Norris, 
Benj. Butterworth, 
M. Holland. 



T made the following appointments of chairmen of sub- 
committees, which were confirmed, together with the appoint- 
ments of the officers named above, at said meeting : 



Finance, ..... 

Reception, 

Transportation, .... 

Press, ..... 

Carriages, ..... 

Civic Organizations, . 

Packs wi> Reservations, 

Public Comfort, 

Music, ..... 

Comfort at Ball Room, 

IwriAi ions \\h Tickets, 

Military Organizations, 

Printing, ..... 

Banquet, .... 

Street Ellumination and Fire Works 

Ball Room Decorations, 

Badges, ..... 

Auditing, ..... 

Public Order, ... 

Street Decorations, 

Floor and Promenade, 



John W. Thompson. 

. Nelson A. Milks. 

. ( ' 1 1 a i ■ i \ Brown. 

EL V. Boynton. 

Tllos. So.MKl;\ II. 1. 1 . 

B. H. Warner. 

H. A. WlLLARD. 

L. P. Wright. 
John C. Chaney. 

. j. i-:. Hi ii. 

Geo. ( riBsoN. 
. Cecil ( !lay. 

Theo. W. NoU.s. 

Geo. I'.. Williams. 

;, . M. I. Weller. 

T. E. Roessle. 

S. Wolf. 

0. F. NORMENT. 

Jno. B. Wight. 

L. D. Wine. 

Edw'd McCauley. 



Frederick A. Holden was appointed bookkeeper for the 
committee. 

Rooms were engaged in the Glover Building, 1 4 1 '. > F 

street N.W., and there, on Monday, the 1 1th of December, 
the Executive Committee established itself. Meetings were 
held each Saturday night thereafter until the inauguration 
took place, and all were well attended. The several sub- 
committees worked harmoniously, and when we realize how- 
successful were their efforts, no better evidence is needed to 
show their zeal and enthusiasm. Many of the gentlemen 
who thus participated were active business men, to whom 
the sacrifice of time given was a matter of moment. 



THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, 

John W. Thompson, Chairman, 

promptly took hold of the work assigned to it ou Monday 
evening, December 14th. It organized and decided to 
obtain a guarantee fund of $50,000. Within two Aveeks 
thereafter the fund subscribed by our citizens had practi- 
cally reached this sum. 

It is the general opinion that never before have subscrip- 
tions to a guarantee fund been more liberal or more easily 
obtained. It was stipulated that payments should be made 
in four equal installments — the first payable January 1 , 1897, 
and the second, third, and fourth, respectively, January 15th, 
February 1st, and Februaiy 15th following. The total sub- 
scriptions amounted to $54,075, the number of subscribers 
being 322. 

On February 6th the amount paid in was $42,215.14, and 
no formal call was made for the fourth installment, though 
without doubt all would have been paid had it become nec- 
essary to meet expenses. 

On the 13th of March the guarantee fund was returned in 
full to the subscribers. 

THE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE. 

Chapin Brown, Chat main. 

This committee worked faithfully to secure a reduction of 
rates from all parts of the country. Its chairman made 
several trips to attend meetings of trunk-line organizations 
in the effort to secure such rates of transportation as would 
insure a huge attendance upon the inaugural ceremonies. 
The committee met with much success, though the railroads 
would not yield in one particular, by giving an extension of 
the limit of time in which tickets might be good for the re- 
turn trip, after the inauguration was over. A neat pam- 



phlel was issued giving the rates from various points in the 
country, and its distribution served to answer man} inquir- 
ies. An effort was made to secure exclusion rates to points 
in the vicinity of Washington and return, but the railroads 
declined to accede to the proposition. 

PRESS COMMITTEE. 

Gen. H. V. Boynton, Chairman. 

o highly commend the zeal a 
manifested by the representatives of the press at home and 
elsewhere in giving to the people information relating to the 
preparations for the inaugural ceremonies and the results of 

the efforts thus made. With scarcely an except ion. t lie 
newspapers of the country treated the inaugural committee 
and its work in the fairest manner possible and did much to 
promote the successful carrying out of its plans. This happ\ 
result I attribute to the work of the Press Committee under 
the lead of its distinguished chairman. A room was set 
apart in the Pension Building for writers for the press, and 
every facility afforded in the way of messengers and other- 
wise to forward their reports of the inaugural ball. 

COMMITTEE ON CARRIAGES. 

Thos. Someryille, Chairman. 

The problem of properly handling the hundreds of car- 
riages bringing people to the inaugural ball was solved in the 
most satisfactory manner by this committee. Covered ways 
were constructed at three of the entrances to the Pension 
Building so that any who came in carriages would be pro- 
tected in the event of inclement weather. Different lines of 
approach and departure were established for the President. 
Vice-President and Diplomatic Corps, distinguished guests, 
and for public and private carriages, and so perfect were 
the arrangements that no confusion of any kind arose. 



8 

Only private carriages were allowed to land passengers al 

the Fifth-street entrance. To each owner of a private vehi- 
cle a card was issued bearing a number, and to the driver a 
large card with a duplicate of the number. Arrangements 
were made so that when the owner of a private vehicle de- 
sired to leave, his number was displayed upon a large 
screen upon the roof of the Pension Office. The associ- 
ation of liveiymen and cab-owners organized a clearing- 
house among themselves by means of which their patrons 
were given return tickets good for any vehicle belonging to 
the association, so that no one was compelled to wait for 
the particular vehicle in which he rode to the ball but was, 
on showing his ticket, conveyed away by the first one at 
hand. The committee also was successful in having certain 
regulations established by the District Commissioners for 
the government of all carriages and the establishment of rates 
to be charged. 

COMMITTEE ON CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS. 
B. H. Warner, Chairman. 

The Committee on Civic Organizations had charge of the 
reception and accommodation, through the Committee on 
Public Comfort, of all civic organizations desiring to partici- 
pate in the parade. It kept a record showing the name, 
strength, and location of every association, together with the 
names and addresses of its officers and the uniform it wore. 
It maintained active correspondence with Senators and Rep- 
resentatives in Congress, and with newspapers and public 
officials throughout the country to awaken interest and enthu- 
siasm, and was very successful. Some 62 clubs, aggregating 
12,500 men, music for which was furnished by fifty-live 
bands, took pari in the parade. To properly receive and 
care for this vast host of people was no small task. The 
Civic Committee was divided into subcommittees, some of 
which were on duty at nil times for three or four days prior 



fco the inauguration, and cadi visiting organization as it ar- 
rived was met at the station ami escorted to the quarters 
already engaged for it. 

THE MILITARY COMMITTEE. 
< leu . Cecil Clay, < 'hairman. 
This committee began its work with a promptness that is 
born of the true military spirit. Circular letters were sent 
to the Adjutant General of each state asking what part of 
the National Guard of such State expected to take part in 
the [naugural Ceremonies. So far as possible, it obtained 
quarters in the Departmental buildings for visiting troops, 
and through the efforts of the Committee on Public Comfort, 
accommodations were secured for all others. The commit- 
tee performed its work efficiently in every respect. The 
roster it kept showed that while the attendance of the National 
Guard from surrounding States was not so great as at some 
previous inaugurations, the aggregate number of troops in the 
parade was scarcely less than ever before. This will be ac- 
counted for by the fact that there were 3,000 men of the 
regular army and 500 of the navy in line. The systematic 
manner in which this committee carried on its work relicts 
great credit upon the chairman and his associates. 

COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC COMFORT. 
Col. L. P. Wright, Chairman. 
While many of the chairmen of subcommittees had much 

experience in the duties they were called to pel torn), the 

Committee on Public Comfort was especially fortunate in 
having for its presiding officer that veteran Leader in work of 
that kind. Col. L. P. Wright. 'This committee made a list 
of all available rooms for rent throughout the city, every 
one of which was carefully inspected before being listed. 
Thev were classified as to location, accommodations, and 



10 

price, so tli.it it was a very easy task to suit the applicant 
who knew what he wanted : besides, a register was kept of 
stabling accommodations for such of the officers of visiting 
organizations as desired to bring their own horses. A reg- 
ister was also kept of horses that could be hived, and equip- 
ments were supplied where desired. For the accommodation 
of those who wanted to view the parade a list was made of 
wiudows and balconies along the line of march. Persons 
coming from a distance were enabled, by making a small 
deposit, to secure rooms in advance, and were met at the 
station, upon their arrival, by members of the committee. 
Eighty messengers were in waiting to conduct strangers to 
the rooms secured for them. Where the visitor had made 
no provision for lodging or meals, he very readily found the 
same through the efforts of the committee, which maintained 
temporary headquarters at each of the railroad stations. 

COMMITTEE ON PARKS AND RESERVATIONS, 

H. A. Willakd, Chairman^ 

managed its share of the work accomplished in a most satis- 
factory manner, ruder its direction the privileges of erect- 
ing stands upon the public reservations along the line of 
the parade were sold at a much higher figure than ever 
before obtained. Nor did the committee sell all of the 
privileges at its disposal. DpoD its recommendation the 

reservation abonl the Peace M on uineiit was left free ami the 
monument itself protected, by a strong fence, from being over- 
run and damaged by the throng eager to obtain the best 
point of vantage from which to view the marching column. 
The space around Lafayette Statue, in Lafayette Square, 
was likewise treated, By reason of the excellent precautions 
taken no damage was done to any of the public property in 
the erection and demolition of the various stands under the 
direction of this committee. A reviewing stand was erected 
in front of the White House with accommodations for 



11 

1,200 persons. It was of Ear handsomer design than an\ 
ever I). 'tore erected here. Tickets for admission to the 
reviewing stand were issued by the Chairman of the Ex- 
ecutive Committee, and were apportioned to the President 
and Vice-President, the Cabinet, Diplomatic Corps, gen- 
eral officers of the Army and Navy, and distinguished 
guests, as well as to members of the Executive Com- 
mittee. To guard against discomfort of the President 
and Vice-President, in the event of bad weather, the space 
allotted to them was enclosed by means of window-, 
and the enclosure heated by gas-radiators located beneath 
the platform on which theystood. Fortunately, the weather 
at the time of the parade was perfect, and the precautions 
thus taken were not so necessary, though, perhaps, adding 
to the assurance and comfort of the President and Vice- 
President and their Ladies. 



INVITATIONS AND TICKETS. 

George Gibson, Chairman. 

To this committee was intrusted the preparation of invita- 
tions, tickets, programs, and souvenirs. It was composed of 
men experienced in this line of work. The invitations, pro- 
grams, and tickets prepared were of neat designs; and the 
souvenir recommended l>\ the committee was the combined 
production of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing of tin 
Treasury Department ami the Bailey, Banks and Biddle 
Company of Philadelphia. The universal desire to obtain 
copies of the souvenir shows how much its excellence was 
appreciated by the public. It was one of the handsomest 
ever produced, and 1 doubt not it will he highly appreciated 
by all who were fortunate enough to come into possession 
of a copy of it. 



12 

COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC ORDER, 
John B. Wight, < '/minium. 

'Phis committee was well organized for the work it had in 
hand. It co-operated with the Metropolitan Police, and to 
its efforts thus directed I largely attribute the excellent 
order maintained throughout Inauguration week. Congress 
appropriated $8,000 for the employment of special police- 
men and for other purposes incident to the work of this 
committee, and 400 men were thus put on duty throughout 
the city. All members of the committee were commissioned 
as officers of the police department and assigned to duty 
at the various hotels and depots and along the line of 
the parade. A wire cable was stretched along the line of 
Pennsylvania avenue from the Capitol to 17th street west, 
and did much to prevent the encroachment of the crowds in 
the roadway where they would interfere with the marching 
column. At the intersecting streets also temporally sign- 
posts were erected which indicated the distance to be main- 
tained by vehicles and prevented the encroachment of horses 
liable to become excited or fractious among the people 
gathered to witness the parade. Provision was also made 
for sufficient ambulance service in event of accidents. At 
the Pension Building during the ball a hospital with all 
necess.-ny equipments was maintained in a room on the 
ground floor and attended by physicians and trained nurses. 
Through the efforts of this committee also a force of police 
and firemen were on duty at the Pension Building during 
the entire period when the building was under the control 
of the Executive Committee, to be in readiness should their 
services be required. 

STEEET DECORATIONS. 
L. D. Wine, Chairman. 

It was the general opinion of all who saw them that the 
street decorations were finer than on an\ former occasion. 



13 

That fact in itself shows the excellent work done by this 
committee. For the first time .-ill the stands along the line 
of the parade under control of the Executive Committee 
were decorated in accordance with selected designs. By ;i 
joint resolution of Congress the use was granted of several 
hundred Government flags, winch were loaned, under bond, 
to residents along the line of March. All were promptly re- 
turned to the Government uninjured. By this committee, 
also, 50,000 paper flags and many portraits of the President 
and Vice-President were distributed for the decoration of 
windows. In many cases the paper flags -Acre converted 
into attractive designs, and proved unique features in the 
general plan of street decorations. 

STREET ILLUMINATION AND FIREWORKS. 

M. I. Wellek, Chairman. 
This committee recommended in its plan of street illumi- 
nation a number of arches dedicated respectively to the sev- 
eral States of the Union, to be erected over intersecting 
streets along the line of Pennsylvania avenue and in the 
vicinity of the Pension Office. I am free to say that the 
plan proposed would have proved very interesting not only 
to strangers hut to our own citizens as well. After giving 
the matter consideration, the Executive Committee reluc- 
tantly concluded to abandon the scheme, fearful that the 
maintenance of the powerful currents required would be 
dangerous to persons and property, and also prove more ex- 
pensive than could he afforded for their construction upon 
a >cale such as would he in keeping with the dignity of the 
occasion; and, therefor.', it was decided that a display of 
fireworks, finer than any ever given before, should he car- 
ried out. Set pieces, which are usually seen by a limited 
number of people, were abandoned for aerial fireworks. 
which excited the admiration of all wdio were enabled to see 
them. The brilliant exhibition was a fitting close to the 
out-door festivities of the day. 



II 



BADGES. 

Simon Wolf, Chairman. 

The badge by which each member of the committee was 
to be designated was prepared under the direction of this 
committee by Mr. Joseph K. Davison of Philadelphia. The 
design selected was unique and singularly appropriate to the 
occasion. It has been in great demand, but as the supply 
was limited, only those performing duty and thereby earning 
it were made possessors. The committee is fully deserving 
of the many congratulations it received for its good work. 

COMFORT OF THE BALL-ROOM. 

Capt. James E. Bell, Chairman. 

This committee had charge of all matters pertaining to 
the comfort of guests at the ball. Ten thousand hat-boxes 
were placed in position, with a sufficient number of male 
and female attendants. Retiring rooms were provided for 
the ladies and a barber-shop and force of boot-blacks 
maintained for the gentlemen. No higher compliment can 
be paid to the efficiency of this committee's work than to 
say that not a single article was lost through its negligence 
or that of the attendants under its control. 

DECORATION OF THE BALL-ROOM. 

T. E. Roessle, Chairman. 

It is doubtful if ever more beautiful decorations were seen 
in a ball-room. They were due to the combined efforts of 
J. H. Small A- Sons, who furnished the floral display; the 
Crane Furniture and Decorating Co., of Paterson, N. J., 
who supplied the bunting, flags, and designs ; and Jno. Pt. 
Galloway, of this city, who furnished the electrical construc- 
tion. The eflect of the design as agreed upon by the com- 



15 

mittee was most barmonious. Several thousand electric 
Lights of various sizes and colors were combined to produce 
a degree of artistic excellence seldom attained in electric il- 
lumination, and yet, withal, the floral display and the bunt- 
ing det-orations were not obliterated. Nor was the effect 
such as to impair the beauty or attractiveness of the cos- 
tumes of the ladies, which are often nullified in a hall-room 
by a superabundant display of electric lighting. The gen- 
eral public soon became aware of the excellence of the dec- 
orations, and, as a result, the hall was more largeh attended 
than was anticipated, and at the concert the following night 
thousands of people unable to gain admission were tinned 
away. 

RECEPTION. 

Gen. Nelson A Miles, Chairman. 

With so vast a throng crowding the ball-room, the duty of 
properly receiving and caring for the President and Vice- 
President and their guests, together with the Diplomatic 
Corps and specially invited guests, was a matter of much 
concern, but I am happy to say that the program agreed 
upon was carried out without unhappy incident of any kind. 
Separate rooms were assigned for the President, and also 
for the Vice-President and members of the Diplomatic 
Corps. The President's room was magnificently furnished, 
free of cost to this committee, by Wash. V>. Williams and W. 
B. Moses A Sons. The President and Vice-President and 
their wives had seats upon a platform overlooking the entire 
ball-room, where they for some time eDJoyed the beautiful 
scene presented. They were then escorted the entire length 
of the large hall to a supper prepared for them, ami in this 
feature the Reception Committee were aided by the efforts 
of the Floor and Promenade Committee, which, under the 
direction of its chairman, formed an avenue through which 
the Presidential party passed unobstructed. 



If, 



FLOOR AND PROMENADE COMMITTEE. 
Edward McCauley, Chairman. 
This committee was subdivided into sixteen sections and 
so carried out its plans that all who desired to participate 
in the ball were enabled to do so without hindrance or con- 
fusion. The program was also so arranged as to give gen- 
eral satisfaction. To say that the task of this committee 
was a difficult one, when the wishes of so many thousand 
people were to be consulted, is understood without argument. 
This committee, as has been stated, rendered excellent as- 
sistance to the Reception Committee in caring for the Presi- 
dential party. The chairman of this committee gave much 
time to preparation for its work and is deserving of <>nr 
thanks for his efforts. 

THE MUSIC COMMITTEE, 
John C. Chaney, Chairman, 

was well organized and rendered excellent service. It in- 
vited bids and suggestions, and as a result contracts were 
made with Win. A. Haley, of this city, for an orchestra of 125 
pieces, and with Victor Herbert's "Ji'd Regiment Band of New 
York fur a military band of 65 pieces. The band furnished 
music for live concerts in addition to its performance at the 
ball : three on the day after and two on the second day. At 
the last concert given, Saturday night, an excellent chorus of 
live hundred voices, under the direction of Percy S. Foster, <•)' 
this city, prosed a most interesting and enjoyable feature of 
the exercises. The concerts were dedicated, respectively, to 
the Army, as r. •presented by the Commanding General; to 
the Navy, as represented by the Senior Rear Admiral; to 
the States of the Union, as represented by the Governors 
thereof; t<> the CoDgress of the United states, as repre- 
sented by the Vice-President and the Speaker of the House of 
Representatives; and the last to the People, as represented 



IT 

by the President and his Cabinet. At one of the concerts 
the Columbus Glee Club, which attained considerable dis- 
tinction during the List political campaign, took a prominent 
part. 

BANQUET. 
Gen. Geo. B. Williams, Chairman. 
This committee, after full consideration of the merits of the 
various caterers who entered the lists to secure the contract. 
unanimously recommended Mr. Carl G. Essuer, of Philadel- 
phia, who had experience iu matters of the kind. The Execu- 
tive Committee approved the recommendation, and gave 
Mr. Essner a guarantee that his receipts should be si;, (ion. 
The menu recommended was all that could he expected. No 
wines or liquors were included. The committee also super- 
vised the erection of ;i kitchen and supplied it with ranees 
for the use of the caterer. The sales of supper tickets aggre- 
gated >-2M'2, making the loss $3,428, to which should he 
added the cost of erecting the kitchen and its equipment. 

COMMITTEE ON PRINTING. 

Theodore W. Noyes, Chairman. 

This committee supervised the printing for the Executive 
Committee and the various subcommittees. A neat design 
was selected for a letter-head, which all committees used. A 
pamphlet was also issued giving a list of the membership of 
the several committees and their duties. In the work of this 
committee much attention was given by the chairman ami its 
members, and strict business methods were observed in 
everything. 

ILLUMINATION OE PUBLIC BUILDIXCs. 
Very soon after the work of the Inaugural Committee be- 
gan, we tried to secure, if possible, the illumination and deco- 
ration of public buildings, which, on festive occasions, have 



18 

for so many years presented an appearance of gloom when 
all around them indicated joy and gladness. I had been 
informed that not since the close of the civil war had there 
been any decoration or illumination of buildings occupied 
l>\ Government departments. To secure the desired result, 
I appointed a special committee, composed of Messrs. Ben- 
jamin Butterworth, John G. Long, Aldis 13. Browne, James 
L. Norris, and Lawrence Gardner. Four of the gentlemen 
named were members of the Executive Committee. How 
well they performed their task you all know. To them and 
to the officials of the various Departments who co-operated 
so cheerfully and so well, our thanks are due. 

THE GRAND MARSHAL. 

General Horace Porter, of New York, was designated as 
Grand Marshal of the parade. Need I say that no better 
selection could have been made? He opened headquarters 
in the same building with the Inaugural Committee at an 
early date and the arrangements intrusted to his charge 
were soon well in hand. The parade was not so long in pass- 
ing a given point as some at former Inaugurations, but this 
was not so much because of fewer troops or civic organiza- 
tions, but was due to the able manner in which tin; parade 
was organized and handled. As a matter of fact the num- 
ber of troops in line was scarcely two thousand less than at 
the last inauguration, when the entire National Guard of 
Pennsylvania, 8,000 strong, took part. The procession 
moved in a manner that was highly creditable to the Grand 
Marshal and his efficient stall', and was without breaks or 
long and tiresome intervals, such as too frequently charac- 
terize parades of greai magnitude. 

THE AUDITING COMMITTEE. 
Clabenob F. NobmenTj Chairman. 

In everything pertaining to the expenditure of the In- 
augural fund, the most approved business methods were 



19 

observed. The accounts of the Executive Committee were 
kept in an excellent manner by Mr. Frederick A. Bolderj 
and no money was paid out until duly authorized under tin- 
rules adopted and upon the presentation of the proper vouch- 
ers. The Auditing Committee carefully examined all bills 
after they had been approved by the proper officer, after 
which; ;i check was drawn by the Corresponding Secretary 
and countersigned by the Chairman of the Executive Com- 
mittee upon the Treasurer, and this course was followed in 
the expenditure of the smallest sum. It is evident thai the 
work of this committee began as soon as the Executive 
Committee was organized, and continued after nearly all the 
other committees had ended their labors. 

The following is a statement of the receipts and expendi- 
tures on account of the [naugural Ceremonies : 



20 



Washington, D. C, April 2, 1897. 

Charles •). Bell, Esq., 

Chairman Inaugural Committee, 1897. 

Deab Sm; : The following report is submitted, showing the 
total receipts und disbursements by me us Treasurer of the 
[uaugural Committee of 1897: 

Receipts. 



Subscriptions, 


|47,736 25 


Ball tickets 


17,870 00 


Privileges, 


5,692 55 


Ooncerl tickets, 


12,372 50 


Supper tickets 


2,572 00 


Sale of souvenirs 


198 10 


Sale of furniture, etc 


.-,'.1 50 


Amount refunded Cover paymeut), 


17 00 




$116,817 90 


Disbursements. 




Committees 




Executive, 


$5,927 22 


Public Comfort, 


1,265 44 


Civic 


606 67 


Parks and Res* rvations, 


1,540 31 


Strict Decoration, .... 


2,008 30 


Comfort at Ball 


2,304 25 


Finance, 


764 57 


Military, 


196 01 


Illumination and Fireworks, Streets, 


1,407 7.", 


Music 


5,991 08 




129 60 


Floor and Promenade, 


126 03 


Reception, 


•1 7:. 


Ball Boom Decorations, 


14,34 I 00 


Printing 


103 02 


Banquet 


7. sis II 


Auditing 


15 00 


Badges 


2,0*25 '.17 


Ilium, and Dec. Pub. Bldgs. and Grounds, 


340 s:i 


ln\ itations and Tickets, 


5,248 33 


Carriages 


1,186 63 


Treasurer's < (ffice, .... 


195 99 


Grand Marshal 


To:; 11 


transportation, 


117 38 


Expensea at Pensiou ( office, . 


1,038 35 


Refund of Subscriptions, 


17,736 25 


Total disbursements, 


109,473 61 


Balance in bank 


7,84 1 29 




♦lift ftl'J <|(l 


Respectfully, 






JNO. -lov EDSON, 




Treasurt r. 



21 

Washington, D. C. April 5, L897. 
C. J. Bell, Esq., 

Chairman <>r fin Executive Committee. 

Dear Sir. : We have t lie honor to report from the Com- 
mittee on Auditing that we have examined and approved all 
the vouchers showing the expenses connected with the In- 
augural ceremonies, and verified the receipts from all sources, 
and find the same to be correct. 

CLAKENCE F. NOEMENT (Chairman). 

GEOEGE E. EMMONS. 

ALYIX M. LOTHROP. 



THE SURPLUS. 

In accordance with the action of the Executive Committee 
I addressed the following letter to the Commissioners of the 
District of Columbia, which, with the response thereto, ex- 
plains what disposition was made of the surplus : 

Washington, D. ('., April •"">. L897. 

To the Commissioners of the 

District of ( 'olumbia. 

Dear Sirs : At a meeting of the Executive Committee of 

the Inaugural Ceremonies of March 4, L897, held on April 
2d, the following resolution was passed : 

"Resolved, That the surplus earnings of the Inaugural 
Committee shall be transferred to the Commissioners of the 
District of Columbia and their successors, to be added to 
the fund known as the 'Centennial Inaugural Relief Fund,' 
and to be invested by the said Commissioners in good real 
estate securities in this District at the best obtainable rate 
of interest, and to be held and used for the following pur- 
poses, viz : The annual interest to be expended in the dis- 
cretion of said Commissioners in the purchase of fuel and 
clothing for the poor of the District of Columbia, as is pro- 
vided in the resolution of the Inaugural Committee of March 
4, 1889, creating said Centennial Inaugural Relief Fund." 



22 

In accordance with saiil resolution, I take pleasure in 
handing yon herewith check for the sum of seven thousand 
($7,000) dollars. There is a small balance over this amount 
which I am holding back in case any claims should be pre- 
sented against the Committee during the next thirty days. 
Yours, respectfully, 

C. J. BELL, 
Chairman Inaugural Ceremonies. 



Office of the 
Commissioners of the District of Columbia. 

Washington, April 5, 1897. 
Ordered, That the Board of Commissioners of the District 
of Columbia hereby accepts the custody of the £7,000 left 
entirely in their and their successors' discretion and control 
by the Executive Committee of Inaugural Ceremonies of 
March 4, 1S ( .)7, to be added to the " Centennial Inaugural 
Relief Fund," to be invested by the said Board in good real 
estate securities iu the said District at the best obtainable 
rate of interest, and to be held and used for the following 
purposes, viz : The annual interest thereon to be expended, 
in the discretion* of said Commissioners, in the purchase of 
fuel and clothing for the poor of the District of Columbia. 
By order : 

WILLIAM TINDALL, 
Secretary I><«tr<l of ( f om missioners, 

District of < 'olumbia. 



CONCLUSION. 

I would not be just to the Executive Committee nor my- 
self did I not express my full appreciation of the valuable 
assistance given me at all times. 

When the committee was organized I stated that, in exer- 
cising the power conferred upon me to appoint members 
thereof, I had ignored polities and chosen gentlemen solely 
on account of their experience and qualifications for the re- 
spective duties imposed upon them. 



23 

Every detai] of the Inaugural ceremonies was carefullj 
planned, and it is a pleasure to remember the unselfish spirit 
manifested by the committee in taking time from pressing 
business engagements that it might be devoted to the cause 
in which we were enlisted. 

To 41 lose who were ;i ssociat ed with lne in 1 1 16 8 et i V 6 a lid daily 

work of the committee, Major Fred. Bracket! and Mr. Geo. 
H. "Walker, the secretaries, M r. F. A. Holden, the bookkeeper, 
and Col. Swords, I desire to extend my sincere thanks for 
their hearty co-operation in everything that tended to pro- 
mote the success of our efforts. 

The following letters, together with a Large number of 
others, congratulating the committee on the result of its 
labors, were received : 



My Deab Mr. Bell 



Execi n \ E Mansion. 
Washington, March 9, 1897. 



At the request of the President I write to inform you of 
his thorough appreciation of the very efficient services ren- 
dered by yourself and the members of your Executive Com- 
mittee. He feeds certain that the Inaugural ceremonies 
were never better managed, and is particularly pleased with 
the courtesies extended to Mrs. McKinley, which he wishes 
me to acknowledge most heartily. 

The President would be glad to have this information 
made known to all of your associates and assistants, whose 

co-operation contributed to the splendid success of the ex- 
ercises of the d,i\ and evening. 
Very t iul\ \ ours, 

JOHN ADDISON PORTER, 

Secretary to the President. 

Mr. Ch un.r.s J. Bell, 

Chairman^ Inaugural Committee. 



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( >ri l< IE OF I 111'. 

Commissioners of the District of Columbia, 

Washington, March 12,1897. 
Mr. Charles J. Bell, 

Chairman, Inaugural Committee, etc. 
Dear Sir: The Commissioners of the District of Colum- 
bia beg leave to express to yourself and to your Committee 
their high appreciation of the valuable services rendered by 
the entire Committee to the people of the District of Colum- 
bia, in providing for the Inauguration of President McKinley. 
In every detail the arrangements made reflected credit upon 
the District of Columbia; and the thanks of our entire 
people are due to you and your Committee for the marked 
success which attended all of the ceremonies incident to the 
Inauguration. 

Yerv respectfully, 

JOHN W. ROSS, 
Resident, Board of Commhxkmers, I). C. 



While the work has been exacting and burdensome, I trust 
it has been done in a manner satisfactory to all concerned 
therein, and with the assurance that no time was spared and 
no labor or pains omitted that would insure the end desired, 
this report of the proceedings relative to the Inaugural cer- 
emonies of March 4, 1897, is respectfully submitted. 

C. J. BELL, 
Chairman of ///< Inaugural Committee. 



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